The journeys of Becky, blind from retinitis pigmentosa, and her beauitiful guide dogs.

My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Happy Anniversary, ADA

It was 19 years ago on July 24th that the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed. Thank you to all that made this possible. (Below is the press release from President Obama.)

Funny - that on the 24th we were travelling and had stopped at a little restaurant. As usual, I walk in with my guide dog, Cricket. We order and sit down. A few minutes later we are asked to leave by the manager. We assertively tell her that Cricket is a guide dog and is allowed in the restaurant. Fortunately, this incident is brief with a few exchanges of us explaning the ADA. The manager apologizes and we continue on with our meal. Each time this occurs I think how grateful I am for the ADA and although I have some interesting stories of the past 12 years - they have always been supported after some education by this act.

- - - - - - -BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

Today we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the enactment of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, this landmark legislation established a clear mandate against discrimination on the basis of disability so that people with disabilities would have an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream.

Our Nation is once again poised to make history for people with disabilities. I am proud to announce that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on theRights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York on December 13, 2006.

The Convention is the first new human rights convention of the 21st century adopted by the United Nations, and it represents a paradigm shift in protecting the human rights of 650 million people with disabilities worldwide. We proudly join the international community in further advancing the rights of people with disabilities.

As we reflect upon the past and look toward a brighter future, we recognize that our country has made great progress. More than ever before, Americans with disabilities enjoy greater access to technology and economic self-sufficiency. More communities are accessible, more children with disabilities learn alongside their peers, and more employers recognize the capabilities of people with disabilities.

Despite these achievements, much work remains to be done. People with disabilities far too often lack the choice to live in communities of their choosing; their unemployment rate ismuch higher than those without disabilities; they are much likelier to live in poverty; health care is out of reach for too many; and too many children with disabilities are denied a world-class education.

My Administration has met these challenges head-on. We have launched the "Year of Community Living" to help people with disabilities live wherever they choose. We have nearly doubled the funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I was proud to sign the groundbreaking Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act and the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which provides health insurance to millions of additional children. I also lifted the ban on stem cell more research. These measures demonstrate our commitment to leveling the playing field for every person with a disability. My Administration will not rest on these accomplishments, and we will continue to focus on improving the lives of people with disabilities. I encourage States, localities, and communities across the country to cultivate an environment in which the54 million Americans living with a disability are valued and respected.

Americans have repeatedly affirmed the importance of protecting the human rights and dignity of every member of this great country. Through the steps we have taken, we willcontinue to build on the ADA and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people with disabilities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2009, as the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I call on Americans across our country to celebrate the progress we have made in protectingthe civil rights of people with disabilities and to recognize the step forward we make with the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Inspired by the advances of the last 19 years, let us commit to greaterachievements in the years ahead.

5 comments:

Hopefully we can celebrate this day every year! The ADA has improved the lies of so many, and yet so many are unaware of its importance. I am glad to see that similar measures are being taken for countries around the world!

Sarah, Nicole, RP & Debi: Thanks for your comments. Agree, it seems SO basic. It is a day worth celebrating! I haven't seen the movie you recommended - Music Within; but will put it on my list to see. Thank you.